Martin D-28

by Gary D. Smith
(Matthews, NC 28105)

Martin D28

Martin D28. The Serial number is 248273. It is still in the original case.

My Dad purchased the guitar new in early 1969 as I recall. He really enjoyed playing it along with a twelve string Fender he bought about the same time. He was a coal miner and retired in 1973 and continued playing the Martin until his death in 1986.

He took good care of his guitars and the Martin, other than normal wear, was in great shape. However, it sat in the case for years after his death and when I went to take it out, the attached strap had fused to the varnish in the back and pulled some of it off when I took it out of the case. Also, the pick guard is warped and should be replaced. I have the intention to have these two things repaired but has hesitated because when done, I want it done right.

However, I have been told by some local good players that it has good sound and frets very well. I, myself, am not much of a picker.

Gary Smith

ANSWER

Hi, Gary--

The serial number indicates a late 1969 manufacture date.

Here is the Blue Book general info:

D-28
- dreadnought body style, solid spruce top, Brazilian rosewood (1931-1969) or Indian rosewood (1969-present) back and sides, round soundhole with three stripe rosette (5/9/5 grouping), ivoroid (1931-1966) or non-grained white (1966-present) body binding, herringbone top purfling (1931-1947) or six-ply top inlay with white outer layer (1947-present), three-ply back binding with ivoroid (1931-1966) or non-grained white (1966-present) outer layer, zigzag (1931-1946), narrow chainlink (1947), or wide chainlink (1948-present) back stripe, 12/20-fret (earliest models only) or 14/20-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl slotted diamond inlays (1931-1946) or pearl dot inlays (1946-present), three-per-side chrome tuners, ebony bridge with white bridge pins and black dots, tortoise (1934-1966) or black (1966-present) pickguard, available in Natural finish, 25.4 in. scale, mfg. 1931-present.

Pricing:

The problem is that Martin used 2 different kinds of wood form the back and sides during 1969--Brazilian and Indian. The type of wood makes a big difference in the value.

Here is the Blue Book pricing for both:

1966-1969 Brazilian Rosewood
Excellent $5,750 - 7,000
Average $3,750 - 4,500

1969-1979 Indian Rosewood
$1,850 - 2,250
$1,250 - 1,500

I am sorry that I cannot tell by looking at the picture which wood it is. You will need to get someone to look at it in person.

As far as fixing the damage, it depends on whether you are wanting to sell the guitar. If you are, it is important to not make any repairs because collectors are demanding original condition.

If you want to keep the guitar, try to be sure to get original parts. That might be kind of hard as far as the finish damage goes.

Best Wishes,
Lynne